{green turtle} (Zo["o]l.), a marine turtle of the genus
{Chelonia}, having usually a smooth greenish or
olive-colored shell. It is highly valued for the delicacy
of its flesh, which is used especially for turtle soup.
Two distinct species or varieties are known; one of which
({Chelonia Midas}) inhabits the warm part of the Atlantic
Ocean, and sometimes weighs eight hundred pounds or more;
the other ({Chelonia virgata}) inhabits the Pacific Ocean.
Both species are similar in habits and feed principally on
seaweed and other marine plants, especially the turtle
grass.